Arkansas · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Hempstead County, AR

The median household in Hempstead County, AR earns $46,787 a year ($3,899/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $908/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $36,320 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 13.1% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$46,787$3,899 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$908HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)86.9-13.1% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential AR
Census Population19,508Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Hempstead County, AR

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$908Monthly market rent
Share of gross income23.3%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$36,320To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,170At 30% of $46,787
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Hempstead County, AR

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Hempstead County, AR. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Hempstead County, AR
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$650$7,800$26,00016.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment$692$8,304$27,68017.7%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$908$10,896$36,32023.3%
3-Bedroom Home$1,188$14,256$47,52030.5%
4-Bedroom Home$1,404$16,848$56,16036%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Hempstead County, AR →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Hempstead County, AR

Based on the local median household income of $46,787/year ($3,899/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,949/moRent ($908 2-BR), utilities (~$127/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,170/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 86.9 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$780/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Arkansas

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Arkansas state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$46,787
$15,000$95,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$46,787
Net 82%
Fed 7%
AR 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$38,494After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,208Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,481Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate17.7%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,434 / yr
Arkansas state income tax$1,279 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,579 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Arkansas with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Hempstead County, AR

What is the median household income in Hempstead County, AR?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Hempstead County, AR is $46,787 per year (approximately $3,899 per month).

What is the average rent in Hempstead County, AR?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Hempstead County, AR are $650 for a studio, $692 for 1 bedroom, $908 for 2 bedrooms, $1,188 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,404 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Hempstead County, AR compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Hempstead County, AR is 86.9 (13.1% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Hempstead County, AR?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($908/month) in Hempstead County, AR requires a minimum gross household income of $36,320 per year ($3,027 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Hempstead County, AR?

For a typical household earning the median income of $46,787/year ($3,899/month) in Hempstead County, AR, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,949/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,170/month to discretionary spending, and $780/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Hempstead County, AR?

Residential electricity rates in Arkansas average 14.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $127 per month.